Places To See and Things To Do In Newcastle

If you’re looking to spend any amount of time in and around Newcastle in the near future, then the chances are that you’ll be pondering things to do. Whether you’re a native of the area, or you’re just going to pop in for a weekend or so, or you’re looking to move into Newcastle student accommodation at the end of summer, you’re sure to find a great deal to keep your enthralled and entertained throughout your stay. Let’s take a look at some of the things you might get up to.

The Biscuit Factory

This building, which once served as a Victorian warehouse, now houses the UK’s largest collection of independent contemporary art, craft and design works. The Biscuit Factory gallery is spread over two sizeable floors, and hosts around four major exhibitions each year, which give a home to the work of more than two-hundred-and-fifty different artists. Visitors even get the opportunity to buy some selected pieces to take home with them.

The Tyne Bridge

If you’ve ever watched a film or television drama that’s set in Newcastle, the chances are that you’ll have seen an establishing shot of this bridge, which is by far and away the city’s most recognisable landmark. Up close, the bridge is even more impressive, and stands out as the incredible piece of engineering it is from miles around. Take the time to head down to quayside and take a closer look. You’ll be able to observe flocks of seagulls nesting amidst the girders – just be on the lookout for stray droppings!

Newcastle Castle

Of course, no article involving Newcastle’s many attractions would be complete without mention of the building that gave the town its name. But, contrary to belief, it wasn’t the medieval castle in the centre of town that actually gave the city its name; rather, it was the previous ‘motte-and-bailey’ style fortification that occupied the same site (prior to which the area was known as ‘Monkchester’.) Little remains of the current castle besides the gatehouse and the keep. The former, rather ominously, is known as the Black Gate, and can be found just a stone’s throw from the city’s central train station.

Nightlife

Naturally, if you’re staying in the city to study, you won’t want to be cooped up in your student accommodation in Newcastle each weekend, however generously-proportioned it might be. Fortunately, the city’s nightlife is famously bustling, and there’s a fantastic range of pubs, bars and clubs to choose from. If you’d like to see a show, then a visit to the Boulevard Show Bar on Churchill Street is sure to fit the bill. If you’re close to quayside and you’ve got a taste for quality beer, on the other hand, then why not pop into the BrewDog pub for a spot of IPA?

Gaming centres

If you’re looking for something fun to do during your stay in the city, then you’ll be pleased to learn there are a raft of fun activities to enjoy. These include several well-maintained climbing walls, at which you’ll be able to scale new heights, as well as outdoor paintball experiences just a short drive from the centre of town. If you’re looking for something a little quieter and more restrained, on the other hand, why not make a visit to Spot White, an American Pool and snooker club based on Stowell Street. On the other hand, there’s the extreme quad-biking experience to be had at Turboventure, which can be found on Corporation Street.

Theatre Royal

If you’re looking for highbrow entertainment, or just a fun-packed show, then a visit to the Theatre Royal should be considered essential. The building drips culture – and looks spectacular from the outside, particularly at night time when the façade is illuminated. You can expect to pay slightly more for a ticket here than you might at some of the city’s more everyday establishments – but then again, theatre isn’t something you indulge in every day!

Victoria Tunnel

This underground passage used to transport coal on the backs of wagons, ready to be transferred onto boats. During the height of the industrial revolution, coal was among the city’s greatest exports, and business boomed. One obstacle to the export of the stuff, however, was the inefficiency of the town’s layout, and so it was decided that digging direct tunnels from the colliery to the riverside was worthwhile. Take a wander along these passageways, and you’ll get to peer back in time to this forgotten age!